Chris Cornell’s Death Ruled Suicide by Coroner’s Office

Rock legend Chris Cornell, who was found dead after a May 17 show with Soundgarden, died from "suicide by hanging," according to TMZ.

The site confirmed with Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office that Cornell did, indeed, take his life, though a full autopsy and toxicology results have not yet been completed. Cornell was found dead in a hotel room at the MGM Grand Detroit following the show, and was said to have been in good spirits in the hours leading up to the concert. The singer was said to have even been speaking about excitement for future shows, according to Billboard.

Cornell's wife Vicky Karayiannis became worried when Cornell didn't pick up his phone after the show. She called a family friend who ultimately forced his way into the room and discovered Cornell on the bathroom floor.

"His wife Vicky and family were shocked to learn of his sudden and unexpected passing, and they will be working closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause," Cornell's rep said in a statement. "They would like to thank his fans for their continuous love and loyalty and ask that their privacy be respected at this time."

Cornell, a former addict and alcoholic, became sober in 2002, and reflected on his journey with substances — and the journeys of his peers — in a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone.

"I've lost a lot of young, brilliant friends, people that I thought were very inspired," he said. "They're all young and these guys all had limitless potential in their lives in front of them."